51³Ô¹ÏÍø

FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:

Procedures regarding sexual misconduct and harassment are being examined at 55 institutions, according to information released by the Department of Education on Thursday, May 1, 2014. (.)

STATEMENT FROM SMU

51³Ô¹ÏÍøapplauds the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to eradicate sexual violence on college campuses and to provide universities with additional tools to combat sexual assault. Our goals are the same.  

The matters under review by the Education Department have been investigated by 51³Ô¹ÏÍøand predate our University task force review of sexual misconduct policies and procedures. The University has been aggressive in putting into practice wide-ranging new procedures to inform and protect our students, to provide prompt and effective resolution of complaints, and to hold violators accountable while treating all students fairly. 

51³Ô¹ÏÍøcontinually reviews and updates its programs in comparison with national benchmarks, and we are pleased that the White House also has made these matters a priority for all American universities. No issue is more important than the health and safety of our students.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Department of Education is reviewing three 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcases that predate the University’s . One case involved a complaint of inappropriate language in a classroom; one involved an alleged sexual assault that was later dismissed by the Dallas County District Attorney's Office; and the third case, which does not involve a sexual assault allegation, is currently the subject of litigation. 

A year ago, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPresident R. Gerald Turner adopted the task force’s recommendations for new and revised policies and procedures, including programs promoting education and training. Students, faculty and staff members have implemented many of these recommendations and continue to develop others.

New initiatives include an online course for incoming students on sexual misconduct prevention; an 51³Ô¹ÏÍøValues Statement and the “Not on My Campus” campaign developed by student leaders; a research-based bystander intervention program created by the Department of Psychology and Health Center that will launch in fall 2014; and informational cards to help faculty and staff support students in case of sexual assault.

Continuing programs include sexual misconduct education in Wellness classes and residence hall programs, campus programs including Take Back the Night and Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and free self-defense programs offered by 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice.

Information about campus and community resources, state and federal laws, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøpolicy, prevention and education is available on SMU’s Health and Safety website, .

51³Ô¹ÏÍøalso is reviewing the White House’s national task force report on campus sexual assaults, which was released April 29, and will compare it with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøtask force recommendations. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøwill make any changes needed to ensure that 51³Ô¹ÏÍøpolicies are in line with national benchmarks. 

As reported by the White House, sexual misconduct is a serious issue at universities and colleges across the country, and sexual assault is an underreported crime nationwide. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøseeks to provide a supportive environment for students to come forward, seek medical care and alert police immediately.

Campus resources here to help students include 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøTitle IX Coordinator, confidential counselors at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøHealth Center, the Office of the Dean of Student Life and the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøWomen’s Center. Community resources include the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center.

51³Ô¹ÏÍøexpressly prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual assault and all acts of sexual violence, and will hold violators accountable. Sexual assault is a violation of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolicy 2.5.1 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sexual assault also is a crime under Texas law that is punishable by imprisonment.

All 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcommunity members are urged to join efforts to prevent sexual misconduct. .

Learn more on SMU’s Health and Safety website, sm.

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